Albertine Region Selects Miss Climate Change Representatives During the 9th Uganda Water & Environment Week
Frank Semata 
The Albertine Region on Wednesday hosted the first-ever regional auditions for Miss Climate Change Awareness Uganda in the tourism city, Fortportal, bringing together passionate young women committed to championing environmental sustainability and climate action.
The initiative is organized by Africa Tourism & Environment Initiatives (ATEI) in partnership with the Ministry of water and environment
The auditions, held on 5th March 2025, formed part of activities under the Uganda Water and Environment Week 2025 (UWEWK) and its regional engagements known as the Albertine Regional Water and Environment Week (ARWEWK).
The event attracted youth leaders, environmental advocates and stakeholders working within the water, environment and climate sectors.
Speaking during the opening session, Mr. Silver Mubangizi, who represented the Albertine Water Management Zone (AWMZ), welcomed participants and highlighted the various activities lined up under ARWEWK.
He emphasized the importance of youth participation in environmental stewardship, noting that the region continues to provide platforms where young people can actively contribute to sustainable environmental management.
On behalf of the National Organizing Committee (NOC), Ms. Victoria Kinobe Nakatudde addressed the contestants and encouraged them to take full advantage of the opportunities presented during the regional week.
She specifically highlighted activities organized by the Youth Sub-Committee and urged the contestants not to limit their participation to the auditions alone but also engage in other ARWEWK events such as the marathon, debates and community engagements, which aim to amplify youth voices in environmental conservation and climate advocacy.
Providing background on the initiative, Mr. Bismac Moses Amumpaire, Executive Director of Africa Tourism and Environment Initiatives (ATEI), shared the background of the Miss Climate Change Awareness Uganda program.
He explained that the initiative was designed to empower young women to use their platforms to raise awareness about climate change, environmental conservation and sustainable tourism, particularly in communities that are highly vulnerable to environmental degradation.
According to Amumpaire, the initiative recognizes the powerful role young women can play as environmental ambassadors capable of influencing attitudes and behaviors within their communities
The auditions saw contestants demonstrate their knowledge and commitment to environmental advocacy, with each participant presenting ideas and perspectives on climate action and sustainable development.
Following a competitive selection process conducted by a panel of judges, the top three contestants out of over 15 contestants were selected to represent the Albertine Region at the national level.
The winners were later announced and awarded by the Team Leader of AWMZ, Dr. Guma Brian Emmanuel, who also delivered the closing remarks.
Dr. Guma emphasized the critical role of youth in advancing climate action and environmental protection.
He noted that the Ministry of Water and Environment has intentionally created platforms for youth engagement through initiatives such as Uganda Water and Environment Week, which continue to empower young people to participate in decision-making processes around environmental sustainability.
Dr. Guma urged the selected contestants and other participants to become ambassadors of change in their communities, schools and institutions.
“Youth must be at the center of water, environment and climate action. Platforms like these are meant to inspire you to lead conversations and initiatives that protect our natural resources,” he said.
He further encouraged the contestants to use their titles and influence responsibly to inspire others and help nurture a generation that is more environmentally conscious and proactive in addressing climate challenges.
The three representatives selected to represent the Albertine Region at the national finals of Miss Climate Change Awareness Uganda are:
Kenyana Cathy Tusiime – Winner
Kanyunyuzi Recheal – 1st Runner-Up
Kirungi Christine – 2nd Runner-Up
The trio will now advance to the national stage, where they will compete with representatives from other regions across the country while continuing to advocate for climate awareness, environmental protection and sustainable development.
The Climate Change Awareness initiative continues to position young women as powerful advocates for climate resilience, ensuring that youth voices remain central in Uganda’s journey toward environmental sustainability
